“A paralegal is a person qualified through education, training and/ or work experience to perform substantive legal work that requires knowledge of legal concepts and is customarily performed by an attorney.  This person may be retained or employed by a lawyer, law office, governmental agency, or other entity, or is authorized by administrative, statutory or court authority to perform this work.  The work performed by this person shall be under the ultimate supervision of an attorney.”

Voting Member:         Any person currently employed as a paralegal, legal assistant or any equivalent position and/or who performs paralegal duties as the primary work activity shall be eligible for membership as a “Voting Member”.

Associate Member:     Any person who has recently graduated from a formal course of study, upon the completion of which such person is qualified to be employed as a paralegal; Any person whose primary responsibilities and job classification are not paralegal but does perform paralegal duties on a limited basis (full time paralegals do not qualify as Associate Members and must apply as Voting Members); Any person previously employed as a paralegal or equivalent position, subject to approval of the Board and Membership Committee.

Student Member:        Any person who is enrolled in a formal course of study, upon completion of which such person would be qualified to be employed as a paralegal, shall be eligible for membership as a “student member”.

Dual Member:           Any person who is a member, whether voting, student, or associate, of another NFPA state or county affiliated paralegal association and whose membership dues to NFPA have been paid through such other association for the current year.  You cannot choose MCPA as your Primary Association to enroll in this category.

DUES :

Voting:  $85.00 ($80.00 before 2/10/2024)

Associate:  $70.00 ($65.00 before 2/10/2024)

Student: $40.00 ($35.00 before 2/10/2024)

Dual Voting:  $60.00 ($55.00 before 2/10/2024)

Dual Associate: $45.00 ($40.00 before 2/10/2024)

Dual Student:  $35.00 ($30.00 before 2/10/2024)

NEWSLETTER: Prepare a bi-monthly Association newsletter consisting of information from committees and any other material which is determined to be of value to the general membership; solicit and write articles for newsletter; review newsletters from other associations

CONTINUING EDUCATION: Responsible for preparation and issuance of CLE certificates after monthly meetings and obtaining appropriate pre-approval of post-approval for same. Responsible for creating and promoting continuing education seminars during the year.

PACE/CRP: Led by PACE/CRP Coordinator, who is the liaison between MCPA and NFPA on all PACE- and CRP-related issues. Responsible for organizing PACE and CRP Study Groups, obtaining and distributing PACE and CRP information and materials to members, and keeping the Board and General Membership apprised of PACE and CRP developments.

PLANNING: Organize and promote monthly general membership meetings on a variety of topics throughout the year and must schedule a minimum of nine meetings a year.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH:   Assist in identifying worthy organizations in the Montgomery County area for collections of food, clothing, gift cards at the MCPA general membership meetings and special holiday collections.  The MCPA also organizes volunteer opportunities for members, such as helping to serve at Manna on Main, “cheerleading” at Villanova University’s Special Olympics Fall Fest.  Ideas for new volunteer opportunities are always welcome.

STUDENT AFFAIRS:  The committee provides a range of services and support to students who are interested in developing a career in the paralegal field.  The mentoring program will enhance and encourage students to develop a professional relationship with experienced paralegals in all areas of the law. A mentor acts as a counselor, or guide, who assists the student in setting and achieving goals for developing career direction and skills. Committee also recruits student members by attending networking events and speaking at local colleges.

MARKETING:  Assists other committees with the promotion and funding of Association meetings, seminars and other activities.  Solicits sponsors for the Association as well as advertisement for the newsletter.  Find those sponsors where the benefits of their sponsorship would be beneficial to Association as well as the sponsor.

JOB BANK: Maintain contact with all associations in Pennsylvania and surrounding states as well as periodically contact area businesses in relation to paralegal job openings; disseminate information to MCPA members requesting notification of employment opportunities.

PUBLIC RELATIONS: Assist other committees with promotion of activities, seminars, meetings, activities, etc.; advertise and prepare press releases to the legal community and general public on MCPA functions or activities; organize and coordinate community outreach activities; maintain and update any association brochures; prepare a list of resources and maintain documents, banner and promotional items for distribution as needed.

MEMBERSHIP: Responsible for maintaining membership database for new and renewing members, effecting the annual membership drive, and preparing welcome packets for new members as well as developing programs to promote membership.

WEBSITE: Shall provide timely information to members, the paralegal profession and the general public through MCPA’s website. The committee will also be responsible for website maintenance such as providing updates, removing any dated material and adding pertinent current material as well as monitor MCPA’s Email Account